Multiple agricultural product application method and systems utilizing a drum metering system

ABSTRACT

A method and system for planting one of a plurality of seed types, hybrids and/or varieties is provided. A planter is provided with a plurality of row units. The row units include metering systems, which can include a drum meter capable of metering multiple types of seed at the single drum. The metering system including the drum is configured such that the seed meter will plant different seed types or varieties. The operation the drum meter will provide for the planting of a particular seed variety. The invention provides for on-the-go changing of a seed being planted by the operation of the drum seed meter at each of the row units and provides for almost infinite variation among the row units for planting particular seed varieties or not planting at all.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation Application of U.S. Ser. No.14/478,257, filed on Sep. 5, 2014, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C.§119 to provisional application U.S. Ser. No. 61/874,113 filed Sep. 5,2013, provisional application U.S. Ser. No. 61/938,010, filed Feb. 10,2014, and provisional application U.S. Ser. No. 61/975,047, filed Apr.4, 2014, all of which are herein incorporated by reference in theirentirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the application ofagricultural products by use of agricultural implements. Moreparticularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to methods,systems, and apparatuses for applying at least one of two or moreagricultural products to a field by use of an agricultural implementbased upon a characteristic of the field. The invention can also be usedto dispense refuge or pollen donation in preselected locationsthroughout a field.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

An agricultural row crop planter is a machine built for preciselydistributing seed into the ground. The row crop planter generallyincludes a horizontal toolbar fixed to a hitch assembly for towingbehind a tractor or other implement. Row units are mounted to thetoolbar. In different configurations, seed may be stored at individualhoppers on each row unit, or it may be maintained in a central hopperand delivered to the row units on an as needed basis. The row unitsinclude ground-working tools for opening and closing a seed furrow, anda seed metering system for distributing seed to the seed furrow.

In its most basic form, the seed meter includes a housing, a seed disk,and a seed chute. The housing is constructed such that it creates areservoir to hold a seed pool. The seed disk resides within the housingand rotates about a generally horizontal central axis. As the seed diskrotates, it passes through the seed pool where it picks up individualseeds. The seeds are subsequently dispensed into the seed chute wherethey drop into the seed furrow.

There have been many ways in which the seed planting process has beenadapted in order to increase the amount of yield per acre. For example,instead of treating an entire farm as the same throughout and planting asingle type of seed or seed hybrid, there has been a push for plantingmultiple types of seed to account for differences in soilcharacteristics, such as moisture content and nutrient level, as well asclimate variances. The seed hybrid is selected to provide for thehighest yield according to the different conditions throughout thefarms. In addition, the hybrids may be configured to treat pestresistance to certain traits found in some, but not all, hybrids.

Therefore, there is a need in the art for an agricultural planter thatallows for a user to plant different seed hybrids or varieties inlocations of a field based upon known field characteristics in anon-the-go manner. There is also a need in the art for a planter to allowfor a larger number of seed varieties to be planted based upon the fieldcharacteristics and with a more accurate location than has beenheretofore accomplished.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Thus, it is a principle object, feature, and/or advantage of the presentinvention to overcome deficiencies in the art.

It is another object, feature, and/or advantage of the present inventionto provide an agricultural implement that allows the planting of aplurality of seed varieties to be accurately planted at field locationsbased upon known field characteristics.

It is yet another object, feature, and/or advantage of the presentinvention to provide an agricultural implement for planting a field thatprovides for on-the-go selection and planting of a number of seedhybrids or varieties.

It is still another object, feature, and/or advantage of the presentinvention to provide an agricultural implement that includes a systemthat allows for planting different seed varieties or hybrids withinseconds and/or feet of travel.

It is a further object, feature, and/or advantage of the presentinvention to provide systems to provide different seed varieties orhybrids to the seed meters at each row unit.

It is yet a further object, feature, and/or advantage of the presentinvention to provide a seed delivery system for an agricultural systemthat automatically provides at least one of a variety of seed to a rowunit based upon the location of the row unit in a field.

These and/or other objects, features, and advantages of the presentinvention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The presentinvention is not to be limited to or by these objects, features andadvantages. No single embodiment need provide each and every object,feature, or advantage.

Accordingly, the present invention provides for various apparatuses,systems, means, and methods for planting one or a combination of aplurality of seed hybrid varieties and/or hybrids in different locationsof a field. For example, a field may include locations with variationsof soil characteristics, weather conditions, etc. Such characteristicsmay include soil moisture content, amount of sunshine, wind, or rain,soil fertility, CEC, PH, likelihoods of water retention or flooding,etc. The varying soil characteristics can affect the overall yield of acrop. Seed hybrids have been developed which account for differentgrowing conditions in order to provide the highest possible yield basedupon the different conditions and/or characteristics. However, this maynot be the same throughout the field. The present invention providesmethods and means for providing on-the-go changing of seed varietiesand/or hybrids to provide for the highest possible yield per acre in afield having various characteristics and/or soil conditions. Theon-the-go changing of seed type, variety, and/or hybrid will allow forup-to-date planting of the various seed varieties as the conditionschange based upon location in the field.

Therefore, the invention provides a location based determination of atype of seed variety and/or hybrid for planting in a field. The locationmay be determined using a positioning system, such as known GPStechnology. A field can be mapped based upon known characteristics, suchas historical data. For example, the field may be mapped according tohistorical data to include the soil nutrient content, amount of rain,amount of sunshine, and other factors to determine the growingconditions for the varying locations of the field. When a tractor andplanter are moving through a field, the location determination willprovide for updated data for determining the proper seed, variety and/orhybrid to plant at the updated locations in the field. The positioningsystem will communicate to a seed delivery system, seed source, one ofmultiple seed meters, or other system to indicate which of the pluralityof available seed hybrids is to be planted at the current location ofthe planter in the field. The location, and thus type of seed to beplanted, will be continually updated by the positioning system while theimplement moves through the field. This on-the-go updating of theplanting parameters will allow a farmer to continue planting in a normalmanner, while ensuring that the seed hybrid appropriate for the fieldconditions will be planted.

The positioning system can be operatively connected to a seed deliverysystem, such as a bulk fill system, air seed delivery system, individualhopper system, or some combination thereof. The positioning and seeddelivery systems can provide the different types of seed hybrids to oneor more seed meters, wherein the seed meter delivers the seed to theground. Various exemplary aspects of the present invention provide fordifferent ways of delivering one or more of the various seed hybridsfrom the bulk fill or individual hoppers to the one or more seed meters.In addition, the present invention includes that the systems, methods,and means of the invention provide for automatic, on-the-go selection ofone or more of the various types of seed hybrids to the one or more seedmeters for planting the different seed varieties as needed. For example,the present invention contemplates that one or more seed varieties maybe planted within seconds and/or feet of a different seed variety and/orhybrid while the tractor and planter are moving through a field. Thus,the planting of the different hybrids and/or refuge may be accomplishednear instantaneously. As the soil characteristics and conditions change,the selected seed hybrid having growing conditions ideal for the soilcondition and/or characteristic can be planted, while ensuring that theseed variety can be changed as the soil conditions and/orcharacteristics change.

Therefore, according to a method of the present invention, an implementis provided along with a tractor. The implement may be a plantingimplement (planter) and the tractor connects to the planting implementfor moving through a field. The tractor and/or planter include or areconnected to a positioning system. The positioning system providesup-to-date location in the field, and may be a GPS or other type ofpositioning system. The agricultural implement includes a plurality ofrow units, each having a metering system, and at least one productstorage unit operatively attached to the row units. At least oneagricultural product is applied (planted) to the field as the implementmoves through the field being pulled by the tractor. The positioningsystem determines and updates the location of the implement in thefield. Based upon the said updated location of the implement in thefield, the system selects one or more of the plurality of agriculturalproducts to be applied to the field based upon a characteristic of thelocation of the field.

For example, the characteristic may be characteristics of the soiland/or climate at the particular location of the implement in the field,which can be based upon historical data. The one or more agriculturalproducts may be selected and moved from the at least one product storageunit to the row units based upon the location of the field and caninclude a seed delivery system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top view of a planting implement.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a row unit including aspects of theinvention.

FIG. 3 is side elevation view of the row unit of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the row unit of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of showing components of a row unitincluding aspects of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of the row unit of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the row unit of FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a rear view of the row unit of FIG. 5.

FIG. 9 is a front view of the row unit of FIG. 5.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another row unit including aspects ofthe invention.

FIG. 11 is a side elevation view of the row unit of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a rear view of the row unit of FIG. 10.

FIG. 13 is a top plan view of the row unit of FIG. 10.

FIG. 14 is a sectional view of the row unit of FIG. 10 about line 14-14of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of another row unit including aspects ofthe invention.

FIG. 16 is a top plan view of the row unit of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a side elevation view of the row unit of FIG. 15.

FIG. 18 is a rear view of the row unit of FIG. 15.

FIG. 19 is a sectional view of the row unit of FIG. 15 about line 19-19of FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is a top plan view of the row unit of FIG. 15 with the seedmeters translated.

FIG. 21 is a side elevation view of the row unit of FIG. 15 with theseed meters translated.

FIG. 22 is a rear view of the row unit of FIG. 15 with the seed meterstranslated.

FIG. 23 is a sectional view of the row unit of FIG. 15 with the seedmeters translated and the section about line 23-23 of FIG. 22.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of another row unit including aspects ofthe invention.

FIG. 25 is a top plan view of the row unit of FIG. 24.

FIG. 26 is a side elevation view of the row unit of FIG. 24.

FIG. 27 is a rear view of the row unit of FIG. 24.

FIG. 28 is a sectional view of the row unit of FIG. 24 about line 28-28of FIG. 27.

FIG. 29 is a top plan view of the row unit of FIG. 24 with the seedmeters translated.

FIG. 30 is a side elevation view of the row unit of FIG. 24 with theseed meters translated.

FIG. 31 is a rear view of the row unit of FIG. 24 with the seed meterstranslated.

FIG. 32 is a sectional view of the row unit of FIG. 24 with the seedmeters translated and the section about line 32-32 of FIG. 31.

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of yet another row unit including aspectsof the invention.

FIG. 34 is a side elevation view of the row unit of FIG. 33.

FIG. 35 is a rear view of the row unit of FIG. 33.

FIG. 36 is a sectional view of the row unit of FIG. 33 taken about line36-36 of FIG. 35.

FIG. 37 is a side elevation view of the row unit of FIG. 33 with theseed meters rotated.

FIG. 38 is a rear view of the row unit of FIG. 33 with the seed metersrotated.

FIG. 39 is a sectional view of the row unit of FIG. 33 with the seedmeters rotated and taken about line 39-39 of FIG. 38.

FIG. 40 is a perspective view of another row unit including aspects ofthe invention.

FIG. 41 is a top plan view of the row unit of FIG. 40.

FIG. 42 is a side elevation view of the row unit of FIG. 40.

FIG. 43 is a rear view of the row unit of FIG. 40.

FIG. 44 is a sectional view of the row unit of FIG. 40 taken about line44-44 or FIG. 43.

FIG. 45 is a top plan view of the row unit of FIG. 40 with the seedmeters rotated.

FIG. 46 is a side elevation view of the row unit of FIG. 40 with theseed meters rotated.

FIG. 47 is a rear view of the row unit of FIG. 40 with the seed metersrotated.

FIG. 48 is a sectional view of the row unit of FIG. 40 with the seedmeters rotated and taken about line 48-48 or FIG. 47.

FIG. 49 is a perspective view of another row unit including aspects ofthe invention.

FIG. 50 is a top plan view of the row unit of FIG. 49.

FIG. 51 is a rear view of the row unit of FIG. 49.

FIG. 52 is a sectional view of the row unit of FIG. 49 taken about line52-52 of FIG. 51.

FIG. 53 is a top view of the row unit of FIG. 49 with the seed metersrotated.

FIG. 54 is a rear view of the row unit of FIG. 49 with the seed metersrotated.

FIG. 55 is a sectional view of the row unit of FIG. 49 with the seedmeters rotated and taken about line 55-55 of FIG. 54.

FIG. 56 is a perspective view of yet another row unit including aspectsof the invention.

FIG. 57 is a side elevation view of the row unit of FIG. 56.

FIG. 58 is a rear view of the row unit of FIG. 56.

FIG. 59 is a sectional view of the row unit of FIG. 56 taken about line59-59 of FIG. 58.

FIG. 60 is a perspective view of a seed meter for use with a row unitaccording to aspects of the invention.

FIG. 61 is a bottom perspective view of the seed meter of FIG. 60.

FIG. 62 is a side elevation view of the seed meter of FIG. 60.

FIG. 63 is a bottom plan view of the seed meter of FIG. 60.

FIG. 64 is an end view of the seed meter of FIG. 60.

FIG. 65 is a sectional view of the seed meter of FIG. 60 taken aboutline 65-65 of FIG. 64.

FIG. 66 is a diagram of exemplary embodiments of a planting and/or seeddelivery system according to the present invention.

FIG. 67 is a side elevation view of another row unit including aspectsof the invention.

FIG. 68 is an enlarged view of a portion of the row unit of FIG. 67.

FIG. 69 is an enlarged view of a portion of the row unit of FIG. 67.

FIG. 70 is an enlarged view of a portion of the row unit of FIG. 67.

FIG. 71 is an enlarged view of a portion of the row unit of FIG. 67.

FIG. 72 is an enlarged view of a portion of the row unit of FIG. 67.

FIG. 73 is an enlarged view of a portion of the row unit of FIG. 67.

FIG. 74 is an enlarged view of a portion of the row unit of FIG. 67.

FIG. 75 is a perspective view of another row unit including aspects ofthe invention.

FIG. 76 is a side elevation view of the row unit of FIG. 75.

FIG. 77 is a side elevation view of some of the components of the rowunit of FIG. 75.

FIG. 78 is an end view of the row unit shown in FIG. 77.

FIG. 79 is a top plan view of the row unit shown in FIG. 77.

Various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detailwith reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numeralsrepresent like parts throughout the several views. Reference to variousembodiments does not limit the scope of the invention. Figuresrepresented herein are not limitations to the various embodimentsaccording to the invention and are presented for exemplary illustrationof the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 is a top view of an agricultural planter 10. An example of aplanter that may be utilized with the various aspects of the inventionis further shown and described in U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/927,177, which is hereby incorporated in its entirety. The planter 10of FIG. 1 includes a tongue 12, which may be a telescoping tongue suchthat the planter is a front or rear folding planter. However, the exactnature of the planter is not to be limiting to the invention. The tongue12 includes a first end 14 in an opposite second end. The first end 14includes a hitch 16 for connecting the planter 10 to a tractor (notshown) or other vehicle for pulling the planter 10 through a field andfor transporting the planter to different locations. The planter 10shown in FIG. 1 is a front folding planter with telescoping tongue 12and a pair of draft links 20 extending between a first wing 28 and thetongue 12, as well as from the second wing 30 to the tongue 12. Thedraft links 20 connect the wings to the tongue such that when the wingsfold towards one another by operation of cylinders 18, the draft links20 will extend the telescoping tongue 12 to lengthen the tongue so thatthe wing sections 28, 30 are able to be folded generally adjacent oneanother.

Opposite the hitch 16 of the tongue 12 is a main or central frame 22.The main frame 22 extends generally perpendicular to the tongue 12. Theframe 22, which also may be known as a toolbar, can include a housing orsupport for a plurality of central tanks or hoppers 24. The hoppers 24,which may also be known as bulk fill hoppers, house material, such asseed, insecticide, fertilizer, or the like, which is distributed througha system to individual row units. For example, the bulk fill hoppers canbe operatively connected to an air seed delivery system for deliveringseed from the hoppers to seed meters of individual row units along theframe and wings. Such an air seed delivery system is disclosed in U.S.Pat. No. 8,448,585, which is hereby incorporated in its entirety. Thecentral frame or toolbar also includes a plurality of row unitsextending therefrom for distributing the material to the field. In otherwords, the row units plant the seed or otherwise provide the material tothe field. A plurality of transport wheels 26 extend from the main frameand are used to transport the planter in and to or from the field. Thetransport wheels 26 also support the planter.

Extending generally from opposite sides of the main frame is first andsecond wings 28, 30. The first wing includes a first frame or toolbar29, while the second wing 30 includes a second frame or toolbar 31.Extending from the frames is a plurality of row units 34. Such row unitswill be further described with regard to the figures. A plurality ofwing wheels 32 are also included and extend from the wings to aid inmaneuvering the planter. The number of row units used with the implementmay vary depending on the size of the implement, the requirements of afield, the type of material being distributed to the field, and thelike. The number of row units of a planter is not to be limiting to theinvention, and the invention contemplates any number of row units foruse with a planter.

Furthermore, it should be appreciated that, while a plurality of centraltanks 24 are shown, any number may be included or else a single tankwith multiple sections to separate different types of material may alsobe included and contemplated by the invention. According to some aspectsof the invention, the number of tanks corresponds to the number ofdifferent seed types, varieties, and/or hybrids that are to be plantedby the planter. Furthermore, it is also contemplated that the individualrow units include row unit hoppers to provide the material at the rowunits themselves. In such a situation, the air seed delivery will not berequired for the seed varieties stored in the row unit hoppers and notin the bulk tanks. Again, the number of hoppers at the row units cancorrespond to the number of different seed types, varieties, and/orhybrids that are to be planted by the planter.

As will be understood, the invention provides numerous methods, systems,assemblies, and the like for providing a planter 10 that is able toplant one of a plurality of seed varieties, types, hybrids, or the like,through a field without having to change the planter or material in thestorage. As more information is obtained as to particular types,varieties, and/or hybrids, of seeds being able to plant in differentconditions, it may be ideal to plant a particular seed hybrid at a knownlocation in a field based on said conditions. For example, a part of afield that does not receive as much water, such as by rain, may requirea seed that is able to grow with less water. However, that same seed maynot be ideal for planting at the location in the field that does receivemore water. Therefore, for some fields, it may be ideal for twodifferent hybrid or seed types to be planted based upon its knowninformation as to field conditions. Planting seed based upon known fieldconditions and other information will allow a farmer to obtain thehighest yield for their crop, which will provide numerous benefits,advantages, and the like.

The planters and components thereof according to the invention willprovide for on-the-go changing of seed hybrids in population. The changein seed hybrid being planted may be conducted within a single seed drop,such that there is substantially no gap or overlap when switching fromone seed variety or hybrid to another. Such a planter will allow farmersto maximize yield in every part of their field without having tocompromise a particular area based on the conditions. For example, inparts of the field with high productivity soil, a “racehorse” or highyield potential seed variety can be utilized, whereas a “workhorse” typeseed variety can be used in less productive areas. In fields with poordrainage, a variety that can handle moisture can be planted in the lowerareas, where the more productive variety used in field locations of thehigher elevation. The various aspects of the invention will allow forfarmers to make such on-the-go changing and will provide the opportunityto achieve the highest possible yield. However, while some aspects ofthe invention disclose the possibility of switching between two seedtypes, varieties, and/or hybrids, it should also be appreciated that theinventions are not limited to only two. It is contemplated that anyplurality of seed types can be hypothetically planted using the conceptsherein disclosed, and the invention is not to be limited to the specificaspects.

FIGS. 2-4 disclose a row unit 40 for use with a planter 10 as shown anddescribed. The row unit 40 can be attached to the planter in known ways.For example, as shown in the figures, a mount 41 is provided forconnecting the row unit 40 to a frame or toolbar of a planter. This canbe a central toolbar or a wing toolbar. Extending generally from themount is a linkage system 42, which attaches the row unit to the mount.The linkage 42 also allows for movement of the row unit in a field, andcan also include down force members, such as that disclosed in U.S.application Ser. No. 13/457,815, hereby incorporated by reference in itsentirety. Additional aspects of a row unit such as that shown anddescribed include a frame 43, gauge wheels 44, a depth adjustmentmechanism 48, and opener disks 49. The opener or coulter disks 49 open afurrow in the ground for placing a seed to be planted. The gauge wheels44 work with the depth adjustment mechanism 48 to set the depth of thefurrow being created by the opener disks 49. Thus, the adjustment of thedepth adjustment mechanism 48 will manipulate the gauge wheels 44 tochange and/or set the depth of the furrow created by the opener wheels49. A seed metering device is also connected to and positioned at therow unit 40. The metering device is covered in the figures by a seedmeter cover 46. The cover 46 aids in protecting the metering device fromitems that may damage the meter and will enhance the efficiency of themetering system.

The row unit 40 shown in the figures includes a substantially staticmetering device such as that shown in FIGS. 5-9. As shown in thefigures, the metering device includes a first seed meter 50 and a secondseed meter 52. The dual seed meter system of the row unit 40 will allowat least two different seed types, varieties, and/or hybrids to beplanted at a single row unit 40. As mentioned, this will providenumerous benefits, advantages, and the like for planting. The seedmeters 50, 52 can be air seed meters of the kind shown and described inU.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/829,726, which is herebyincorporated in its entirety. However, other types of seed meters,including mechanical, brush, finger, or the like may also be used withthe invention. When an air seed meter is used, the seed meter can beeither positive or negative pressure such that the seed is attached tothe disk within the meter housing as the disk rotates based upon the airpressure differential created by the positive or negative pressuresource.

As shown best in FIGS. 5 and 6, the seed meters of the row unit 40 arepositioned generally fore and aft of one another and can be referred toas inline multi-hybrid seed meters. For example, the first seed meter 50is positioned generally in front of the second seed meter 52, as shownin FIG. 7. The alignment of the inline seed meters provides that the rowunit will not increase in width due to the addition of a second seedmeter at the row unit. The first seed meter 50 includes a seed meterhousing comprising a seed side 56 and a vacuum side 57. Seed is added tothe seed side 56 of the housing and collects in a seed pool, which maybe shown by reference numeral 69 in FIG. 9. The seed pool 69 is adjacenta seed disk (not shown). The seed disk rotates within the housing andincludes a plurality of radially spaced seed cells comprising a seedpath. An air source, such as a vacuum source, may be attached to thevacuum side 57 or another portion of the seed meter 50 to provide anegative pressure source within the seed housing. As the seed diskrotates within the housing, the negative pressure at the seed cellscauses seed of the seed pool to be attached to the rotating disk at theseed cells. The seed is rotated through a singulating device (not shown)that provides a single seed at each seed cell along the seed path. Theseed continues along the rotation to an area of no pressure differentialwhere the seed is released from the seed cell and is directed towards anexit 60, which is shown in the figures to be a seed chute. After a seedleaves the chute 60, it is directed by a seed-to-ground mechanism, whichis shown in the figures to be a seed tube 65, to the furrow created bythe opener disks. Once in the bottom of the furrow, the soil is movedback over the seed to plant the seed in the ground of a field.

As shown in the figures, the first seed meter 50 is oriented such thatthe seed chute is in the rear of the meter 50 and at least partiallyover an opening 66 of the seed tube 65.

The second seed meter 52 is oriented in an opposite manner such that aseed chute 61 of the second seed meter 52 is oriented towards the frontof the meter and substantially adjacent the first seed chute 60.Therefore, the seed chutes 60, 61 are substantially adjacent one anotherand both are at least partially positioned over the seed tube entrance66 such that seed that is metered by either of the seed meters 50, 52can be directed into and through the seed tube 65 for planting.

The second seed meter 52 also includes a seed side of the housing 58 anda vacuum side 59. It is shown in FIG. 6 that the vacuum side of thefirst housing 57 is on the same side as the seed side 58 of the housingof the second meter 52. Therefore, the seed meters are orientedgenerally opposite one another such that the seed chutes 60, 61, canboth be positioned at least partially over the seed tube entrance 66.When a particular seed type, variety, and/or hybrid is to be planted byone of the seed meters, the seed meter can be activated and seed can beexited therefrom knowing that seed from either meter will be directedthrough the seed tube and towards the ground for planting. It iscontemplated that both seed meters can be operated at the same time suchthat when alternating or a different seed is to be planted, the seed canbe switched for planting on-the-go as the planter moves through thefield, with subsequent seeds being able to be of different types,varieties, and/or hybrids.

To operate the seed meters, a first motor 54 is operatively attached tothe first meter 50, and a second motor 55 is operatively attached to thesecond meter 52. As is disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/829,726, the motors can be connected to an interior of the seed diskto rotate the seed disk in the meter housing. Therefore, having adedicated motor for each of the first and second meters 50, 52 allowsfor each of the meters to be independently driven such that they can beactivated on the ready to meter the seed associated with each meter tobe planted as determined by the location in the field.

Furthermore, as can be understood, each seed meter can be associatedwith a separate and dedicated seed type, variety, and/or hybrid. Thefirst seed meter 50 includes a meter inlet 51, and the second seed meter52 includes a seed inlet 53. The inlets 51, 53 are shown to be portionsof a hose that can be connected to an air seed delivery system or otherseed delivery system. The seed meters can be divided with a seed fromseparate tanks, such as separate bulk tanks on the planter. When onlytwo types of seed are to be planted in a field, the first seed meter 50can be dedicated to receive a first seed type or variety, and a secondseed meter 52 can be configured to receive and be dedicated for plantinga separate seed type or variety. This can be provided by the seed inlets51, 53 that direct the particular type of seed into the seed pools ofthe seed meters.

Furthermore, as has been mentioned, the seed meters shown in FIGS. 2-9are shown to be air seed meters and in particular, vacuum seed meters.To provide the vacuum pressure for each of the meters, a vacuum splitter62 may be utilized. The splitter 62 is configured to connect to a vacuumsource, such as on the planter. A hose can be connected to the inlet ofthe splitter 62. The splitter 62 branches into first and second hoses63, 64, which are connected to the respective first and second seedmeters to provide the vacuum pressure within the seed meter housings.Thus, the splitter 62 allows for a planter to not have to increase thenumber of vacuum hoses on the planter, while still providing vacuumpressure for separate seed meters at the single row unit. It iscontemplated both that the vacuum pressure to both meters be maintainedat all times, or a baffle or other member can be included in the hosesto selectively allow the vacuum pressure to be provided to only one ofthe seed meters at a time. The invention is not to be limited to eithersituation.

Additional aspects of the row unit 40 as shown in the figures includesthat the motors 54, 55 for the respective first and second seed meters50, 52 can be adapted and configured with the ground speed of theplanter as it moves through the field to adjust or otherwise dictatedthe seed drop rate, which is a function of planter speed and targetpopulation.

As shown in FIG. 6, the seed flow will be directed in a direction asshown by the arrows 68 as it exits the seed tube 65. With some of theaspects of the seed-to-ground systems of the invention, the seedtraveling in the direction of the arrow 68 can be manipulated such thatit experiences substantially zero relative velocity with the ground. Theseed-to-ground systems can manipulate such speed of the seed after ithas been metered by one of the plurality of seed meters and en route tothe formed furrow, such as by increasing or decreasing the speed of theseed through the seed-to-ground system. As is known, an angular velocityincludes an X component and a Y component. The Y component will besubstantially equal to the gravity, while the X component will besubstantially equal to the ground speed of the planter as it movesthrough the field. Using these known values, a system can be configuredsuch that the seed exiting in the direction of the arrow 68 from theseed tube 65 can experience relatively zero velocity as it is droppedfrom the seed tube 65 and is directed towards the bottom of the furrow.This will provide that the seed will experience little to no bounce,roll, or other movement in the furrow such that ideal placement and/orspacing is provided between subsequent and adjacent seeds that areplanted.

Having the first and second seed meters 50, 52 with dedicated motors 54,55 will allow all of the meters of all of the row units to beindependently controlled such that the planting can be adjusted as thespeed of the planter is changed through a field, and including when aplanter turns. The independent control of each of the seed meters ateach of the row units allows some or all or the seed meters at some orall of the row units to be turned off when needed, while allowing othersto be sped up, slowed down, or maintained. For example, if going over awaterway or other non-planting location, the seed meters of specific rowunits can be shut off via the motors, such that no seed is planted oversaid waterway, while on the opposite side of the planter, the row unitscan continue planting as normal. During a turn, the row units at theinterior of the turn can be turned off or slowed down, while the seedmeters at the generally exterior or outer radius of the turn can be spedup as needed such that the spacing is maintained for the subsequentseeds. The speed of the meters may also be varied to provide differentseed populations based on field conditions, soil characteristics, orother variables which may impact the desired plant density for differentareas within a field. In addition to the ideal spacing and independentcontrol, each of the row units including the first and second meters 50,52 can be planting either the same or different seed types, varieties,and/or hybrids on-the-go, and can continuously change the seed beingplanted to account for the field conditions at the location of theplanter. All this is provided with the row unit 40 as shown anddescribed.

Other changes may also be provided. For example, in some planters, eachseed meter 50, 52 of each row unit 40 can include its own hopper that isfilled before planting and when empty. Such systems do not utilize acentral hopper or air seed delivery or other type of seed delivery, andinclude dedicated hoppers at the row units themselves. Thus, havingdedicated hoppers for each seed meter, with each hopper for each meterincluding a different hybrid than the other at a particular row unitwill allow the same benefits to be obtained. Furthermore, a singlehopper with compartments dedicated for different seed types, hybrids,and/or varieties at a particular row unit such that a particular seed isable to be planted by a seed meter is also to be included andcontemplated as part of the invention. Still other modifications arealso included to be as part of the invention.

It should also be appreciated that, while one row unit 40 is shown inthe figures, each of the row units of the planter shown in FIG. 1 caninclude the row unit 40 having the first and second inline seed metersas shown in the figures, such that each row unit is able to plant aplurality of hybrids, seed types, or seed varieties on-the-go as theplanter moves through the field. Furthermore, while two seed meters areshown with a particular row unit, additional meters can be added suchthat more than two seed meters are positioned at each row unit to beselectively operated to plant one of a plurality of seed varieties. Itis also possible to utilize different systems (e.g. utilizing a hoppersystem for one hybrid and a bulk seed delivery system for a secondhybrid) in combination to provide multiple hybrid planting capability.

FIGS. 10-14 show another row unit 70 including aspects of the inventionfor providing that multiple or a plurality of seed types, varieties,and/or hybrids to be planted at a particular row unit with the seedtypes changing as the planter moves through the field. Similar to therow unit 40 as shown and described, the row unit 70 includes first andsecond meters 79, 83 that are substantially inline with one another in afore and aft manner, and which are substantially static. For example,the seed meters, while capable of some movement, do not move todifferentiate alignment with a seed tube or other seed-to-grounddelivery system when switching from the use of one meter to the other.

As shown in the figures, the row unit 70 includes many of the similarcomponents as that previously shown and described. For example, the rowunit includes a mount 71 for attaching to a planter toolbar and alinkage 72 extending therefrom. The row units also include a frame 73,opening wheels 76, gauge wheels 74, and a depth adjustment mechanism 75.Thus, the row unit can be adjusted and operates as previously disclosed.

However, as shown in FIGS. 10-14, the row unit 70, which is but one of aplurality of row units for use on a planter, such as that shown in FIG.1, includes a first and second meter 79, 83, with the first meter 79forward of the second meter 83. However, alternatively to the row unit40, the seed meters of the row unit 70 include a shared housing member78. The shared housing 78 provides the seed disk or the seed side of themeter housing for both the first and second seed meters. A vacuum orother air pressure housing side, which is shown as reference numeral 81for the first seed meter 79, and 85 for the second seed meter 83, isattachable to the single shared housing 78 to enclose a seed disk,singulator, and other components (not shown) for each of the seedmeters. Therefore, the seed meter of the row unit 70 provides astreamlined and more efficiently designed row unit 70, which is able totake up less space, while still providing the ability to change theplanting of different seed types or varieties in and on-the-go manner.

As mentioned, the first seed meter 79 includes an area for receivingseed that may be known as a first seed pool 80. The seed is collected inthe seed pool and is distributed to the meter by a system, such as anair seed delivery system. The seed disk within the seed meter willrotate such that seed cells agitate seed in the pool and, along with thepressure source, attach a seed to the seed cells. The rotation of thedisk continues as the seed is passed through a singulating device andtowards an area of substantially no pressure differential such that theseed is released from the first seed disk at the seed exit or chute 90,which can be seen in FIG. 14 to be a shared seed exit.

Likewise, the second seed meter 83 also includes a seed pooling area 84for collecting a different seed type, variety, or hybrid within the pool84. The second seed disk within the second seed meter 83 passes throughsaid seed pool and a singulating device and towards an area of little tono pressure differential therein. At said location, seed in the secondseed meter 83 is released from the seed disk such that the seed ispassed through the shared seed chute 90 of the seed meter housing 78.Thus, depending on the seed meter that is activated to meter the desiredseed type, hybrid, or variety, will provide for which seed is to beplanted. The first seed meter may be dedicated to plant a first seedtype and the second seed meter 83 may be dedicated to plant the secondseed type. For example, the first seed meter may be associated with aworkhorse seed while the second seed meter is associated with aracehorse type seed. The ever-changing field conditions as the plantermoves through a field will dictate which seed is to be planted by whichseed meter. Furthermore, as the seed meters have a shared housing 78with a shared seed exit 90, the seed will always be directed atapproximately the same location such that it is passed through theentrance 93 of the seed tube 92 and towards its exit 94, where it isdirected in a manner such as that by the arrow 95 in FIG. 14 towards thefurrow in the ground.

To operate the separate seed meters 79, 83, the meters will beassociated with dedicated seed motors, which may be electrically drivenseed motors similar to those shown with regard to the row unit 40 aspreviously disclosed. The motors can independently operate the rotationof the disks within the seed meters such that a particular disk isrotating to plant a desired seed. Other precautions and additions to theinvention may include that both motors be rotating at all times but thatonly one seed be planted by a particular meter and associated with adesired trait for providing the yield at a particular location in thefield as well. However, having a dedicated motor for each meter willallow the disk to be instantaneously operated upon the change for a seedto be planted. For example, when the first seed meter is planting seedin a continuous manner, the second seed disk of the second seed meter 83may not be in operation. However, when the planter recognizes a need tochange the type of seed to be planted based upon known information, thesecond seed meter can be instantaneously operated by the activation ofthe second motor to begin rotation of the second disk through the seedpool to begin planting the second seed type or variety.

Furthermore, the first and second seed meters can be connected to airsources, such as vacuum sources in a similar manner to the row unit 40as previously disclosed. A vacuum hose can be connected to a splittermechanism, which is then connected to air inlets or vacuum inlets of thevacuum sides 81, 85 of the seed meters to provide a constant source ofvacuum pressure within the shared meter housings. The constant vacuumpressure within the housing will ensure that seed is always to beattached to the seed disks when needed.

Additional advantages of the row unit 70 shown in the figures includethat the seed meters be positioned such that they are oppositely facingone another and with the seed disk rotating in opposite manners. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 14, the seed disk associated with the firstseed meter 79 will rotate in a counter clockwise manner and the seeddisk associated with a second seed meter 83 will operate in a clockwisemanner according to the view of FIG. 14. This will allow the releasepoint for each of the meters to be at the shared seed chute 90 and abovethe entrance 93 of the seed tube 92. Therefore, no matter which seedmeter is being operated, the seed should fall at substantially the samelocation from either meter. This is due in part to a partial overlap 88of the seed meters and disks housed within. As shown best in FIG. 14, aportion of the seed disks will overlap with one another with enoughspacing such that there is little to no interference between the seeddisks. The overlap provides a shared or common release point relative tothe seed chute and tube 90, 92 such that the seed will fall in a mannerwith the least amount of bounce through the seed tube 92 as the seedapproaches the exit 94 in the direction of the arrow 95. Thus, thestreamline design of the shared housing 78 as shown in the figuresprovides additional advantages for a row unit 74 providing a system thatcan plant multiple or a plurality of types, varieties, or hybrids ofseed from a planter while the planter travels through a field.

In addition, similar to previously disclosed, each of the row units ofthe planter can include a row unit 70 with a shared housing 78 and firstand second seed meters 79, 83. The independent control of the meters ateach of the row units will allow the planting to be as streamlined aspossible with ideal spacing between such seeds planted in the furrow.Additional benefits and advantages obvious to those skilled in the artare also to be included.

Furthermore, as mentioned, the seed provided to each of the meters 79,83 of the row unit 70 can be provided in any number of ways. An air seeddelivery system can be utilized such that seed is transported fromseparate or shared central hoppers or bulk tanks to each of the meters.For example, two hoppers may be utilized with each hopper containing aseparate seed variety. Each hopper may include its own air seed deliverysystem which connects to only one of the meters at each row unit. Theother hopper can be operably connected to the opposite or other seedmeter at the row unit such that each hopper supplies seed to only one ofthe meters at a row unit. This will aid in keeping the seed varietyseparate, while also providing a more efficient manner of planting thedesired seed at the desired time through the field.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of yet another row unit 100 capable ofplanting one of a plurality of separate seed types, varieties, or thelike by a planter in the field in an on-the-go manner such that adesired seed variety is planted which accounts for field conditions,such as moisture content, soil type, soil temperature, and the like.While the previous row units have included systems in which the seedmeters are substantially static and fixed in place above a shared orcommon seed tube or other seed-to-ground delivery system, the row unit100 discloses a system that is more dynamic. For example, the row unit100 shown in FIG. 15 includes a dynamic system in which a plurality ofseed meters can be translated or otherwise moved in a direction toselectively align one or said plurality of seed meters with aseed-to-ground delivery system, such as a seed tube, to plant the seedassociated with the aligned seed meter. When a separate or differentseed type, hybrid, and/or variety is to be planted, the meters aredynamically translated such that a different seed meter associated withthe different seed type, variety, or hybrid is aligned with theseed-to-ground system to singulate and meter the seed through theseed-to-ground delivery system and into a created furrow. The systemallows for a constant on-the-go changing of meters aligned with the seedto the ground delivery system such that the different seed types can beplanted without having to change the seed in a seed tank, hopper, or thelike.

As shown in FIGS. 15-23, the row unit 100 includes many of the standardrow unit components, including a mount 101, a linkage 102, a frame 103,gauge wheels 104, a depth adjustment mechanism 105, and opener disks106. As has been disclosed, these components support the row units andcreate a furrow for planting the seed therein.

While it is to be appreciated that the row unit 100 is capable ofsupporting any number of seed meters associated with any number of aplurality of different seed types, the embodiment shown in the figuresincludes two seed meters. A first seed meter 108 is shown with a secondseed meter 115. The first seed meter is at least partially forward ofthe second seed meter 115. The fore and aft positioning of the seedmeters will allow the row unit to be maintained as little width asneeded to support the plurality of row units. Furthermore, and similarto previous row units, the seed meters of the row unit 100 arepositioned such that they are opposite one another, as will beunderstood, such that the seed chutes or other exits of the seed meterswill be substantially adjacent to one another such that the meters willneed the least amount of movement or translation to substantially alignor at least partially align the seed chute of the desired seed meterwith the seed-to-ground delivery system.

The row unit 100 includes a first seed meter 108. The first seed meteris similar to those previously disclosed in that its housing includes avacuum side 110 and a seed side 112. The seed side of the housing 112includes an inlet for accepting seed to collect in a seed pool 109. Thevacuum housing 110 of the seed meter 108 includes a vacuum inlet 111 forattaching to a vacuum source. Furthermore, the seed meter 108 includes aseed chute or exit 113 for directing seed that has been released from aseed disk towards the seed-to-ground delivery system, in this case, aseed tube 124.

The second seed meter 115 includes similar components in that itincludes a housing comprising a vacuum housing side 117 and a seedhousing side 119. The seed side of the housing 119 includes an inlet forseed to create a seed pool 116, while the vacuum housing side 117includes a vacuum inlet 118 for connecting to a vacuum or other airsource for providing air to the interior of the housing such that seedis attached to a seed disk rotated therein. Additional components notshown will be a first motor operably connected to the first seed meter108 to independently and selectively drive the seed disk rotationtherein, and a second dedicated motor operably attached to the secondseed meter 115 such that the dedicated motor of the second seed metercan selectively rotate the seed disk housed within as well. Theoperation of the seed meters will be substantially similar to thosepreviously disclosed and that the seed disk rotates through the seedpool, through a singulator, and to an area of little to no pressuredifferential where the seed is released from a seed disk and is directedby a seed chute towards a seed-to-ground delivery system.

As disclosed, the seed meters of the row unit 100 are substantiallydynamic and that the seed chute of each of the seed meters is not alwaysaligned with the seed-to-ground delivery system. For example, as shownin FIGS. 16-19, the seed chute of the first seed meter 108 is at leastpartially aligned with the seed-to-ground delivery system, while theseed chute of the second seed meter is substantially not. FIG. 19 showsthe seed chute 113 of the first seed meter 108 at least partiallyaligned with an entrance 125 of a seed tube 124. In the orientationshown in FIGS. 16-19, the first seed meter is the operating seed metersuch that the seed type, variety, and/or hybrid associated with thefirst seed meter will be planted by the row unit. The second seed meter115 does not have alignment between its seed chute and the seed tubesuch that the seed associated with said seed meter will not be planted.

However, when the tractor, planter, or some intelligent controlassociated therewith determines a change in known and obtainedinformation related to field conditions (e.g., soil moisture content,amount of rain, soil temperature, soil hardness, and soil nutrients,etc.), the system will operate to adjust or dynamically move the seedmeters to change the seed type being planted. This may be done with asystem such as a dynamic control system 122. The dynamic control system122 may be an actuator, which may be hydraulic, electric, pneumatic, orsome combination thereof, and can be utilized to dynamically translatethe first and second seed meters to change the alignment with the seedtube, which changes the type of seed being planted based on the type inseed meter.

Thus, as shown in FIGS. 20-23, the dynamic control system 122 hastranslated the seed meters in a direction shown by the arrow 123 to movethe first seed meter 108 such that it is no longer at least partiallyaligned with the seed tube. However, in the configuration shown in FIG.20, the second seed meter 115 has been likewise translated such that itsseed chute is at least partially aligned with the entrance of the seedtube 124 so that seed being metered and dispensed by the second meter115 will be passed through the seed tube 124 and towards the directionshown by the arrow 127 in FIG. 23.

The seed meters have been translated about the direction of the arrow123 as shown in the figures, and in particular, in a side-to-side mannerwherein the first meter 108 and second meter 115 have been translatedhorizontally towards the left of the row unit in relation to thedirection of travel of the planter. The translation may be done bysliding the first and second seed meters via the dynamic control system122, which can include the meters moving on rails, guides, or othermembers, to selectively align one of the two seed meters with theseed-to-ground system. The seed meter aligned with the seed-to-groundsystem will be operated to plant the seed associated or contained withthe said meter. However, when a change is desired, the dynamic systemwill operate to selectively align the opposite seed meter with theseed-to-ground system. This changing of the seed meters or translatingin the horizontal direction will allow for the on-the-go changing of thetype, variety, and/or hybrid of seed being planted with a single planterthrough a field.

It is to be appreciated that, with the row unit 100 shown in thefigures, it may be desired to have the first and second meters connectedto one another such that the movement of one will cause the movement ofother via the dynamic system 122. Thus, the housings may include aportion that is shared or else the seed meters be mounted to a track orother system such that movement of the dynamic system causes both theseed meters to move so that the desired one of the plurality of seedmeters is substantially or at least partially aligned with theseed-to-ground system for planting the seed therefrom.

Furthermore, it is to be contemplated that the seed delivered to each ofthe seed meters be in a manner as previously shown and disclosed. Theoperation of the motors associated with the dedicated seed meters willalso be similar to that as previously shown and disclosed.

While the seed-to-ground system has been shown to be a seed tube 124with an entrance 125 and an exit 126, it should be appreciated thatother systems may be contemplated and utilized with this and/or all ofthe other row units and seed meter systems of the invention. Forexample, brushes, endless members, belts, or other carrier members canbe utilized to control the delivery of the seed from the meter to thefurrow. While the seed tube is shown and described, it may be desired insome areas to provide a more controlled delivery of the seed from theseed exit of the meter to or towards the furrow. In such a situation, aseed belt or other control delivery apparatus may be utilized to controlthe delivery such that the seed will experience little to no bounce orroll during the delivery from the meter to and towards the furrow. Thecontrol of the seed to the furrow decreases the likelihood of bounce orroll in the furrow such that ideal and desired seed spacing is providedbetween each of the subsequently planted seeds. For example, a belt-typesystem is shown in FIGS. 77-79 for delivering seed from a seed meter toa ground, and can be utilized with any of the metering configurationsdisclosed.

FIG. 24 shows yet another row unit 130 for providing a seed meteringsystem that includes a plurality of seed meters to provide the abilityto on-the-go change the planting of a seed type, variety, and/or hybrid,as a planter moves through the field and based upon pre-determinedinformation related to the field and/or environmental conditions to givea particular seed type, variety and/or hybrid the best chance ofthriving in said condition to achieve the highest possible yield for theplanted seed. Similar to the row unit 100 previously shown anddisclosed, the row unit 130 includes a system for providing a pluralityof seed meters each capable of planting a different seed type, variety,and/or hybrid, with the system being dynamic in nature, such that theseed meters can be moved to selectively align, at least a portion of, aseed chute associated with an individual seed meter with aseed-to-ground delivery system to plant seed from the aligned seedmeter.

As with previous row units, the components of the row unit 130 aresimilar with regard to the mount 131, linkage 132, gauge wheel 134,depth adjustment 135, and opener disks 136.

The row unit 130 is capable of including and controlling any number orplurality of seed meters, with each of the seed meters capable of beingassociated with a different seed type, hybrid, and/or variety forplanting. Furthermore, as will be understood, the seed meters may beconfigured to each plant a variety of seed types, hybrids, and/orvarieties as well. However, the FIGS. 24-32 disclose a row unit 130 withtwo seed meters attached thereto. Thus, for purposes of disclosure, thesystem with a first seed meter 138 and second seed meter 145 will bedisclosed.

While the row unit 100 previously disclosed included a dynamic systemthat moved the first and second meters in a generally side to sidemanner with regard to the row unit, the row unit 130 shown in thefigures includes a system wherein the first and second meters 138, 145are translated in a forward and aft manner to selectively align at leasta portion of the meters with a seed-to-ground delivery system. Forexample, as is shown through the figures, a first seed meter 138 andsecond seed meter 145 is included. The first seed meter 138 includes ahousing with a vacuum side 140 and a seed side 142. The vacuum side 140includes an inlet 141 for attaching to a vacuum or other air pressuresource. The seed side 142 includes an opening for a seed pool collectionpoint 139.

Likewise, the second seed meter includes a housing with a vacuum side147 and a seed side 149, with the vacuum side having an air hookup orinlet 148 and a seed side including an aperture for seed to collect inthe seed pool 146. As can be viewed throughout the figures, the firstseed meter 138 is positioned generally forward of the second seed meterand in an opposite orientation. For example, as shown best in FIG. 25,the first seed meter 138 includes its vacuum side 140 on the lowerportion of the figure while the second seed meter 145 includes anoppositely oriented seed meter with the vacuum side 147 being towardsthe top of the figure. Furthermore, as shown best in FIG. 25, the metersare substantially inline with one another with regard to forward and aftalignment and are not staggered as was the case with the row unit 100that previously shown and described. The inline orientation andconfiguration of the seed meters will allow the seed meters to be narrowwith regard to the row unit such that few to no modifications will notneed to be made to existing planters.

Furthermore, the FIGS. 25-28 show that the first seed meter 138 includesa seed chute 143 that is at least partially and substantially alignedwith an entrance 155 of a seed tube 154. Thus, in said configuration,the first seed meter 138 will be the active seed meter for metering andplanting seed therefrom. Seed that is released from the meter will bepassed through the seed tube 154 and out of the tube in the direction asshown generally by the arrow 157. As previously disclosed, the rotationof the seed disk can control the rate of the delivery of the seeddelivered to the furrow, and a seed-to-ground system can take intoaccount the ground speed of the planter such that the seed willexperience substantially zero velocity when planting in a formed furrow.

However, when an intelligent control or other system associated with theplanter recognizes that a change in the seed type, variety, and/orhybrid is needed to account for a change in field conditions, the rowunit 130 can be manipulated to dynamically translate the seed meter suchthat the second meter 145 will become aligned with the seed tube 154.This is shown generally in FIGS. 29-32. For example, as shown in thefigures, the seed meters have been translated in a forward mannersimilar to the direction shown by the arrow 153 in the figures. Themovement of the meters may be facilitated by a dynamic control 152. Thedynamic control and system 152 may include an actuator, pulley system,gear system, or the like. Furthermore, the seed meters may beoperatively attached to rails, guides, tracks, or other members thatallow the meters to slide or otherwise be translated in a forward andaft direction to selectively align one of said meters with the seed tubeor other seed-to-ground system.

For example, the figures show an actuator 152, which may be a hydraulic,pneumatic, electric, or a combination actuator that is operably attachedto the meters to extend and retract to slide the meters selectivelyinline with an opening 155 of the seed tube 154. This dynamicallytranslating system can be continuously varied according to the known andpre-plotted field conditions to selectively align and thus, selectivelyplant a particular seed variety via a particular seed meter as theplanter travels through the field. This on-the-go control of thechanging of the seed being planted will provide the opportunity for afarmer to obtain a highest possible yield for a particular field thathas been pre-plotted.

Additional aspects not explicitly shown in the figures include first andsecond motors associated with the first and second seed meters toselectively control the rotation of the disk therein, a pressure source,which may be a vacuum hose with a splitter to separate the vacuumpressure to the separate seed meters, as well as other aspects of a rowunit that has been previously shown and described.

FIGS. 33-39 show yet another row unit 160 that includes a dynamicallyactivated metering system to selectively align one of a plurality ofseed meters of a particular row unit with a seed tube around deliverysystem to plant a seed type, variety, and/or hybrid associated with saidmeter. The dynamic system of FIGS. 33-39 provides additional ways tocontrol the ability to selectively plant one of a plurality of types ofseeds and to on-the-go change the planting of seed type while theplanter moves through the field according to a predetermined field mapor pre-plotted area.

The row unit 160 includes a first meter 168 and a second seed meter 175positioned in a substantially forward and aft, inline manner. The metersare oriented opposite one another with the first meter vacuum side ofthe housing 171 being on the opposite side of the second meter 175vacuum housing 177. Thus, the first seed chute 173 will be at leastpartially adjacent the second seed chute 180 of the second seed meter175. As is shown in the figures, the first and second seed meters 168,175 are oriented such that one of said meters will be substantially orat least partially aligned with an entrance 185 of a seed tube 184 orother seed-to-ground mechanism such that the aligned seed meter can beoperated to plant seed associated with said meter. For example, in FIGS.34-36, the first seed meter 168 is aligned with the seed-to-groundsystem 184 and as such, the seed associated with the first seed meter168 will be planted. The seed that is in or otherwise associated withthe seed pool 169 will be metered and exited out the seed chute 173,through the entrance of an entrance 185 of a seed tube 184, and out theexit 186 in the general direction of the arrow 187. The speed of theseed meter can control the rate of the delivery of the seed delivered tothe furrow, and a seed-to-ground system can take into account the groundspeed of the planter such that the seed will experience substantiallyzero velocity when planting in a formed furrow.

However, when the system determines that a different seed type, hybridand/or variety of seed is to be planted, the meters can be dynamicallyreconfigured to align the second meter with the seed tube 184. Forexample, as is shown in the figures, the seed meters 168, 175 areconfigured to be rotated about a generally horizontal axis in a mannerthat is shown by the arrow 183. The rotation of the meters, which can bedone via a dynamic system and/or control 182, can selectively alignwhich of said meters is aligned with the seed tube 184. While FIGS.34-36 show the first meter aligned with the seed tube, FIGS. 37-39 showa situation in which the dynamic control 182 has rotated the seed meterssuch that the second seed meter 175 is now substantially aligned withthe entrance 185 with the seed tube 184. Seed that has been collected inor that is otherwise associated with the seed pool 176 of the secondseed meter 175 can be metered and released via the second seed chute180, through the seed tube entrance 185, and out the seed tube exit 186towards the direction of the arrow 187 as shown in FIG. 39.

The dynamic system and control 182 of the row unit 160 can be configuredto rotate the seed meters as needed to selectively plant a desired seedhybrid, variety, and/or type in an ever changing manner to control theseed being planted at a particular location in a field and based uponknown and obtained field conditions and/or other information, and whichhas been pre-determined or otherwise pre-plotted. Furthermore, thedynamic system and control 182 could be operated based upon on-the-goanalysis of soil, seed, and/or weather conditions. For example, asensing system, such as that shown and described in U.S. applicationSer. No. 13/458,012, hereby incorporated in its entirety, could beutilized in which the sensing system obtains information on the fly, andeven in front of the row units such that the seed type or variety to beplanted at a particular location could be determined during planting.

It should be further appreciated that other components not explicitlyshown and described that obtain or provide advantages or benefits thathave been previously shown and described may also be utilized with therow unit 160 to best operate said row unit and plurality of seed metersmounted therewith. It should be further appreciated that, while the rowunit shows two seed meters, any number of seed meters are contemplatedto be used with the dynamically rotating system of the figures.

FIGS. 40-48 show yet another system in which a plurality of seed metersare mounted at a row unit 190 and configured to be dynamically rotatedto selectively align one of the plurality of meters with aseed-to-ground delivery system in order to select a particular seedtype, hybrid and/or variety to be planted in an ever changing manner asa planter moves through a field. However, contrary to the row unit 160previously shown and described, the row unit 190 includes a dynamicsystem in which the plurality of seed meters is rotated about asubstantially vertical axis.

As shown in the figures, the row unit 190 includes a first seed meter198 and a second seed meter 205. The meters each include vacuum housings200 and 207, seed housings 202 and 209, seed pools 199 and 206, vacuumor pressure inlets 201 and 208, and seed chutes 203 and 210. Thecomponents of the plurality of seed meters, and in this instance twoseed meters, are similar to one another. The difference being the type,hybrid and/or variety seed being delivered to the seed meter and beingplanted thereby. Thus, while the row units 190 includes two seed meterscapable of planting two separate types, hybrids and/or varieties, itshould be appreciated that any number of seed meters and any number ofdifferent seed types, hybrids and/or varieties are contemplated to beplanted using a similar system as that shown and described.

As shown in FIGS. 42-44, the first seed meter 198 is initially alignedsuch that the seed chute 203 thereof is aligned with an opening 215 of aseed tube 214. Therefore, seed being metered by the seed meter 198 canbe passed through the seed chute 203, through the seed tube 214 and outthe exit 216 thereof towards the direction of the arrow tube 217. Aswith the previously disclosed meters, a dedicated motor operablyattached to the seed meter can aid in controlling the release of theseed such that the spacing between such seeds is obtained. Furthermore,a different seed-to-ground system besides the seed tube could beutilized such that the seed experiences relative zero velocity whenexiting the seed-to-ground system and entering the formed furrow in thefield.

However, when a system associated with the planter, row unit, or somecombination thereof, determines that a different seed type, hybridand/or variety is to be planted, a dynamic control system 212 could beoperated to dynamically rotate the seed meters. This could bepre-plotted, or could be done on-the-fly, such as by use of the sensingsystem on the planter, tractor, or otherwise, and could be determined infront of the row units to determine which seed meter is to be activated(i.e., aligned with seed-to-ground) to plant the seed associated withsaid seed meter. As shown in the figures, the seed meters are rotatablein the direction of the arrow 213, which is generally about a verticalor substantially vertical axis. The dynamic control system, which caninclude pulleys, belts, gears, actuators, or some combination thereof,can rotate the seed meters such that the row unit moves from theconfiguration shown in FIG. 41 to the configuration shown in FIG. 45.

As shown in FIG. 45, the seed meters have been rotated such that thesecond seed meter 205 is now positioned generally over the seed tube 214such that the second seed chute 210 is substantially or at leastpartially aligned with the opening 215 of the seed tube 214 so seedreleased therefrom will be directed to the seed tube. The seed that ismetered by the second seed meter 205 can be passed through the seed tubeand out the exit tube 216 towards direction 217 as shown in FIG. 48. Therow unit 190 shown in the FIGS. 40-48 provides a system in which theon-the-go changing of the seed type or hybrid is possible. The dynamiccontrol system 212 can provide a situation in which the seed meters arecontinuously or as needed rotated about the substantially vertical axisto align the seed meter associated with the desired seed to be alignedwith the seed-to-ground system such that the desired seed is planted inthe furrow. The amount of rotation may be exaggerated in the figures todescribe the row unit, and slight amounts of rotation may be all that isrequired. The slight or small amount of rotation will allow a quickchange from the alignment of one seed meter to another, and can alsoaccommodate more than two seed meters being rotated about the same axis.

Additional components not explicitly shown and described with referenceto FIGS. 40-48 which have been previously shown and described withregard to other embodiments, aspects and figures, may be considered tobe part of the row unit 190.

FIGS. 49-55 show yet another row unit 220 in which a plurality of seedmeters are rotatable to selectively align one of said plurality ofmeters with a seed-to-ground delivery system. As shown in the figures,the first and second seed meter 228, 235 are provided with the row unit220, with the seed meters being rotatable about a substantiallyhorizontal axis extending longitudinally with the row unit. The seedmeters each include housings with vacuum housings 230 and 237, seedhousings 232 and 239, seed pools 229 and 236, vacuum inlets 231 and 238,and seed chutes 233 and 240, respectively. Thus, the seed metersthemselves are similar to those previously shown and described. It isnoted that the meters will further include motors dedicated foroperating each of said meters, however.

As shown in FIGS. 50-52, the first seed meter 228 is aligned such thatthe seed exit chute 233 is substantially vertical and is also alignedwith an opening 245 of the seed tube 244. Seed that has been deliveredto or is otherwise stored at the first seed meter 228 will be meteredand passed through the seed tube and out the exit 246 towards thedirection of the arrow 247. The seed will be planted via the first seedmeter until an intelligent controller or other system associated withthe planter, row unit, or some combination thereof determines that adifferent type, hybrid and/or variety of seed is to be planted, at leasttemporarily.

At such a point, a dynamic control mechanism 242 can be activated torotate the first and second seed meters about the substantiallyhorizontal axis extending in a longitudinal manner of the row unit toselectively align the second seed meter for planting. This is shown bestin FIGS. 53-55. Note that the seed chute 240 of the second seed meter235 is now in a substantially vertical orientation and is aligned withthe opening 245 of the seed tube 244. The seed meter can be activatedsuch that the seed metered by said second meter 235 is passed throughthe seed tube 244 and out the exit 246 in the direction of the arrow247. The seed is thus planted via the second seed meter and can continueuntil the system determines that the seed of the first seed meter needsto be planted, which may be for only a single seed. This can be based onfield conditions, soil conditions, temperature, environmentalconditions, climate, and the like.

Therefore, the row unit 220 includes a system that allows the two ormore seed meters to be rotated about the axis in the manner of the arrow243 shown in the figures. The dynamic control operates to rotate themeters such that at least one of the plurality of meters will be alignedwith the seed-to-ground system for planting.

It should be appreciated that the dynamic translation and rotationsystems of the row units shown and described can be combined with oneanother or with the more statically oriented row units in any manner toprovide for additional variations for the row units. For example, whenmore than two seed meters are associated with a row unit, there may beforward and aft sets or pairs of seed meters wherein the pairs can beboth translated and/or rotated in a manner such that one or more of theseed meters is aligned with a seed-to-ground system to direct seedmetered by said meter towards a furrow created in the ground. Thus,while the row units of the invention have been shown and described withregard to two meters, it is further contemplated that any number ofmeters be utilized with any of the row units of the invention. Stillfurther, it is to be appreciated that the systems provided show anddescribe a system in which a near instantaneous change of one seed type,hybrid and/or variety can be changed to plant a second and separate seedtype, hybrid and/or variety in an on-the-go manner such that a field canbe optimized to be planted with various seed hybrids that can providethe highest possible yield outcome for a crop.

As has been mentioned, the field can be pre-plotted or programmed todetermine the optimal seed hybrid or type to be planted for the variablelocations through a field. Agronomists, agronomy information, climateinformation, and field information can all be utilized to determine theoptimal type of seed to be planted throughout the field. For example,climate conditions and field testing associated with the soil moisturecontent, soil temperature, soil nutrient level, and other conditions canprovide a vast amount of information such that one seed optimal for aparticular location would not be optimal for a location just 18 incheson one side or the other. Therefore, as each of the row units can beequipped to plant one of a plurality of types of seed via thepluralities of seed meters associated with the row units, side-by-siderow units can be planting separate seed types and can continuouslychange as needed throughout the field.

Alternatively, the field, soil, and or other conditions associated withplanting could be determined on the fly as the planter and tractor movethrough the field. As previously disclosed, a sensing system could belocated at the tractor, planter, row unit, or in multiple places suchthat a sensor tracks soil and/or seed characteristics in a real timebasis to communicate to the intelligent control and/or row units toselectively activate one of the plurality of seed meters (static,dynamic, or some combination thereof) to plant a seed associated withthe seed meter that will have the best chance to thrive in saidconditions.

FIGS. 56-59 show a row unit 300 equipped with a queuing system for usewith a single seed meter or which can be used with any combination ofany of the other row units disclosed. The queuing system, as will beunderstood, provides for yet an additional way to more efficiently planta plurality of seed types, varieties, and/or hybrids in a single fieldwithout having to continuously stop and change the seed type of aplanter. Instead, multiple seed types can be provided via multiple bulktanks or other seed housings and the system can be utilized to on-the-gochange the seed being planted.

Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 56-59, a row unit 300 is provided. The rowunit 300 includes components such as a mount 301 for mounting the rowunit to a planter toolbar, a linkage 302, a frame 303, gauge wheels 304,a depth adjustment mechanism 305, and opener wheels 306. Furthermore, aseed meter 310 is provided with the row unit 300. Attached to the seedmeter 310 is a mini hopper 308 with a hopper lid 309 covering. The minihopper 308 may be of the sort shown and described in U.S. applicationSer. No. 14/176,198, which is herein incorporated by reference in itsentirety. The hopper may be a mechanism to receive seed from a bulk tankand to store at least some seed at the row unit without having to fillthe seed meter completely. While a single seed meter 310 is shown withthe row unit 300, additional aspects of the row unit will provide thatthe single row unit can plant one of a plurality of seed types,varieties, and/or hybrids at said row unit and with said single seedmeter 310.

The seed meter 310 includes a seed housing with a disk side 311 and avacuum side 312. A seed pool 313 is formed on the seed disk side andallows for the accumulation of the seed within the seed housing, such asvia the mini hopper 308. An air source or vacuum connect 314 isincluded, which can connect to an air source to provide a pressuredifferential within the seed meter housing. A seed chute 315 extendsgenerally downwardly from the seed housing and directs a seed towards aseed-to-ground system such as a seed tube 324, which can include anentrance 325 and exit 326 for directing seed in the direction of anarrow 327 as shown in FIG. 59.

Furthermore, the seed meter includes a queuing system, which takes theform of a clearing tube 316 extending at least partially through theseed pool 313 or another portion of the seed housing. The queuing systemis shown in greater detail with regard to FIGS. 60-65. As shown in thefigures, the clearing tube 316 of the queuing system is a tube whichincludes an first end 317 and a second end 318, and which extends atleast partially through the seed pool 313 of the seed meter 310. Theclearing tube and queuing system 316 provides a way to clear the seedmeter housing of a particular type of seed before providing a separatetype or hybrid of seed to the seed meter for singulating, metering, anddelivering to the furrow. For example, as seed is delivered via the seedpool opening 313, it will collect adjacent the spinning seed disk withinthe seed meter housing. A seed delivery system, such as an air seeddelivery system, can be configured to include baffles, chambers, orother mechanisms that can selectively deliver one or a plurality oftypes, hybrids, or varieties of seed to a single seed meter at a rowunit. When a different type of seed is to be planted, the second seedvariety can be delivered to the meter via the delivery system. However,if there is residual seed remaining in the seed pool of a seed meter ofthe first type, the second desired type may not be immediately plantedat the desired location. Thus, the clearing tube and queuing system ofthe invention provides way to clear a seed pool of a seed meter of afirst type of seed before providing or delivering the second type ofseed to the meter such that the second variety of seed will be plantedimmediately when desired by the single meter.

An air hose or other fluid hose can be connected to the first end 317 ofthe clearing tube 316, and a hose connected to the second end 318 can beconnected to the bulk tank associated with a seed type. When aparticular seed variety or combination variety is being planted, anamount of seed is going to be collected in the seed pool 313. When asystem associated with the planter determines that a new variety or typeof seed is to be planted, the queuing system may be activated to clearthe seed pool of any access first type of seed. Air or another fluidsource can be provided through the clearing tube to pass through theseed pool to push any excess or residual seed out of the second end 318,and can be directed towards the bulk tank or another holding area of thefirst type of seed. The second type of seed can then be planted via theseed meter until the system determines that the first or yet anothertype of seed is to be planted. The system will again queue up to removeany excess or residual seed from the seed pool before delivering thenext type of seed to be planted to the seed meter, wherein the seed isthen metered and planted as has been shown and described.

The queuing system provides numerous advantages. For example, thequeuing system allows for the use of a single seed meter at each rowunit during planting. This reduces the number of components to be usedfor planting the different seed types and/or hybrids. The queuing systemcan provide for greater accuracy in planting of a particular variety byflushing out any excess or residual seed before supplying a new orsecond type of seed. Furthermore, the queuing system prevents ormitigates waste of a particular seed variety by passing any excess orresidual seed from the seed meter and back to the hopper or seed sourcecontaining the particular seed variety. This can provide that any numberof seed varieties can be utilized.

Furthermore, the queuing system can be used with any of the row unitsand/or seed meters as has been shown and described in the invention. Thesystem provides a unique way to clear a particular seed meter of a firsttype of seed before providing a second or another type of seed to beplanted through the system. Thus, for a row unit with a plurality ofseed meters, the system can provide for more than two seed varieties tobe planted with two seed meters. The queuing system can be utilized toqueue up or prepare one of the seed meters by clearing said seed meterof an unwanted or undesired seed to be planted before providing the nexttype of seed to be planted to the seed meter. The queuing systemprovides a manner of preparing or otherwise setting up a seed meter forfuture use as well.

While the air seed delivery system has been described, other methods ofproviding seed to the meters may also be included. For example, a seedmeter can include multiple seed pools that each contains separate seedtypes or varieties. The pools can be manipulated to align one of saidpools with a seed disk to have the seed meter plant seed from the pool.This can be done by baffles, slides, indexing systems, or other systemsthat control the seed pool containing separate seed types forinteraction with the seed disk.

Different embodiments of seed disks can also be included. For example,an embodiment of a seed disk for use with one or more of the plantingand/or row units for providing methods and means for planting one ormore of a plurality of seed hybrid varieties in a field includes a seeddisk that is a conical-shaped disk that includes a first seed aperturepath, second seed aperture path, third seed aperture path, and fourthseed aperture path, which are generally defined by rows of seedapertures positioned radially away from a seed disk axis and spacedgenerally evenly from one another. Each of the seed aperture paths arein communication with their own separate seed pool, wherein each of theseparate seed pools contains a different seed hybrid variety.

Due to the conical shape of the seed disk, each separate aperture pathis allowed to be driven separately or concurrently. An internal drivecan include a clutch or other mechanism such that the operation of thedrive system rotates one section of the conical disk, which correspondswith one of the seed aperture paths rotating. For example, if the seedhybrid variety 3 is to be planted at a particular location, the diskdrive mechanism can be operated to rotate the section containing thethird seed aperture path. This will pass the seed apertures of the seedaperture path through a seed pool containing the seed hybrid variety 3.The seed can then be released into and through a seed tube and towardsthe grown for planting.

The cone can be pitched at an angle to allow for seeds to fall away in asimilar path such that the different seed hybrid varieties can traveldown a same seed tube, as has been shown and described previously. Whenhybrid 2 is to be planted, a positioning and/or control systemcommunicates with the drive mechanism to rotate only the sectioncontaining the second seed aperture path. As the location of the planterand the field changes, the positioning system is updated to determinewhen a different seed hybrid variety is to be planted. For example, ifthe hybrid 1 is to be planted, the positioning system communicates tothe drive mechanism to stop rotating the section containing the secondseed aperture path and to begin rotating the section containing thefirst seed aperture path. This will pass through the seed poolcontaining the hybrid 1 to begin planting said hybrid varietyinstantaneously.

In addition, it should be appreciated that all of the seed aperturepaths of the seed disk can be rotated at the same time, with only one ofthe paths “activated” to acquire seed from the corresponding seed pool.For example, when the system is an air seed meter, the air source can bemanipulated to be moved to align with one of the seed aperture pathscorresponding with the seed variety to be planted. When the system,either manually or automatically, indicates a change in the seed to beplanted, the air source can be moved, either by moving the source itselfor by moving a different portion thereof to open a path to the desiredseed path, such that the new seed path will have seed adhere theretowhen passing through a seed pool. Furthermore, an actuated knockoutcould be used to dislodge a seed from one or more of the seed aperturepaths for planting. The actuated knockout could also be used to knockoutundesired seed from the disk and back to the seed pool prior to reachinga dispensing location as the disk is rotated.

FIG. 66 shows yet another aspect of a planting and/or seed deliverysystem 350 according to the invention that allows for planting of atleast one of a plurality of different seed hybrid varieties duringon-the-go planting. With the planting system 350 shown in FIG. 66, aseed tape 351 is utilized. The seed tape 351 may be biodegradable. Oneor more seed sources include a first hybrid 353, second hybrid 354, andthird hybrid or variety 355. One of the types of hybrid is selectedbased upon the location of the planter in the field, the user's choiceor some other condition. For example, a positioning system can indicateto the planter which of the seed the hybrid variety says to be plantedbased upon known field conditions. The corresponding seed sourcesupplies the seed variety through a seed chute 352. The seed chute maybe a funnel, gate, tube, baffle, or the like. Opposite the seed chute isa seed tape, wherein the seed of the seed hybrid variety is adhered orotherwise attached to the tape 351. In other configurations, there canbe multiple seed tapes stored at seed sources, with the seed tapecontaining the desired and hybrid variety move through the chute 352 andthe rest of the system 350.

Rollers 357 move the tape through the system 350. A seed meter orsingulator 356 may be positioned along the seed tape 351 in order toensure that only one seed is associated at a particular location of theseed tape 351. This can enhance or otherwise provide for greaterefficiency with regard to seed spacing along the seed tape. The rollers357 continue the movement of the tape to a dispensing position adjacentthe closing wheels 358 and at least partially behind the opening wheels359, wherein the seed is planted in the field. When a different hybridvariety is to be planted, the selected seed source or seed tape can bechanged at the seed chute 352 to provide for a different hybrid to passto the seed tape 351 for planting in the field at a particular location.Thus, the system 350 shown in FIG. 66 provides for a method and meansfor changing the seed hybrid variety being planted while continuingon-the-go planting by a farmer.

The seed tape could also be pre-made and stored on the planter in such amanner that multiple seed tapes are included, with each of the seedtapes containing a separate seed type, variety, and/or hybrid. Forexample, the tapes could be stored in rolls, either at the centraltoolbar or at each row unit, such that one of the rolls is utilized at atime to plant the seed associated therewith. When a different seed is tobe planted, a different roll could be activated to begin planting thetape with the different seed incorporated in said tape. The pre-madeseed tapes could be operated in a similar manner as that shown in FIG.66 such that the tape is rolled through the row unit and into a furrow,before being covered by closing wheels. In addition, a cutting mechanismcould be incorporated, either at the row unit or at the central toolbaror some other location, such that the cutting mechanism would cut thetape being planted to stop the seed tape before starting the next seedtape. The same or different mechanism could then attach to thesubsequent tape to begin planting thereof.

It should also be appreciated that insecticide, fertilizer, and/or otherseed treatments or refuge could be added to the seed tape with the seed,either on-the-go or in a pre-made manner. These additions could bedynamically adjusted according to the ever-changing soil, seed, and/orclimate conditions as the planter and tractor move through a field.Otherwise, these could be determined as part of a pre-plotted manner.Furthermore, it is contemplated that a drip tube/tape could be includedwith the seed tape to provide the ability to irrigate the planted seed.For example, the drip tube (not shown) could be planted adjacent theseed tape in the ground as the planter is planting the seed tape. Thedrip tape could be operatively connected to a water source, which couldalso include nutrients. When needed, water could be introduced to thedrip tube to provide water at or near the location of the seed in thetape that has been planted. The drip tube could include perforations orother holes that are spaced substantially equal to the ideal seedspacing such that the seed will be positioned substantially adjacent oneof the perforations in the field to be able to best utilize the waterbeing provided.

FIGS. 67-74 disclose yet additional aspects of a method and means forselective planting one or several possibilities of seed hybrid varietiesduring on-the-go planting in the field, for example based upon locationof the planter in the field. The row unit 400 shown in FIGS. 67-74 areused to plant a particular seed variety or combination of seed hybridvarieties based upon, for example, the position of known fieldcharacteristics or conditions that have been mapped out to a positioningsystem. The choice can also be made by operator, who can automaticallyselect a particular seed hybrid variety to be planted. Therefore, therow unit 400 shown in FIGS. 67-74 provide for yet additional ways toallow a farmer or operator to automatically or manually plant a seedhybrid variety or combination of varieties that will provide the highestyield per acre for the crop. FIG. 67 is a side elevation view of a rowunit 400. The row unit 400 includes many of the similar components thathave been previously shown and disclosed. However, the row unit 400 doesnot include a standard seed meter, as has been shown and disclosed. Inplace of a seed meter is a seed drum 411 attached to the components ofthe row unit 400. The seed drum 411, according to some aspects of theinvention, is connected to the four-bar linkage 402 of the row unit 400and includes a seed chute 417 and a seed dispenser 418 from passing seedfrom the seed drum and into the field. The drum 411 is a cylindricallyshaped object that is rotatable about a shaft 416. The orientation andconfiguration of the drum 411 is not to be limited to that shown in thefigures, and the orientation of the drum in the figures for exemplarypurposes only.

As shown throughout the figures, the drum includes a plurality of seedaperture paths 415A, 415B, 415C, and 415D. The seed aperture paths 415of the drum 411 each correspond to a different seed hybrid variety,type, or the like of seed in a seed pool within the drum. For example,the interior of the drum, which is shown in FIG. 73, includes a seedpool corresponding to each of the seed aperture pass. The figures show afirst seed pool 420A, second seed pool 420B, third seed pool 420C, andfourth seed pool 420D. The seed pools 420 are located within the drumand are positioned such that when the apertures pass the seed pools, apositive or negative pressure differential between the interior andexterior of the drum will adhere a seed to each of the apertures alongthe seed paths.

Shown to be positioned generally at the upper portion of the drum 411 isa plurality of seed aperture path wheels 412. They are shown to be atleast one wheel position at each of the seed aperture paths 415. Theseed wheels 412 are configured such that they aid in blocking orplugging an aperture at a location where there would otherwise be nopressure differential, such that the seed would fall from the aperture.Thus, when no seeds are to be released from the seed drum 411, each ofthe wheels 412 corresponding to each of the seed aperture paths would bein contact with the drum to close the seed aperture paths at thelocation of the wheels 412. As the closed aperture ensures that there isa pressure differential between interior and exterior of the seed drum411, the seeds will pass through the area while adhering to the interiorof the seed drum 411 and would fall back into the respective seed pools,as opposed to a seed chute for planting.

However, when a selected seed type, hybrid, or variety is to be planted,a seed arm 414 attached to the seed wheels 412 can be operated such thateach wheel 412 can be independently displaced from the exterior of theseed drum 411. This creates no pressure differential at the location ofthe seed wheel 412 such that when the seed approaches the area adjacentthe wheel 412, the lack of pressure differential will cause the seed tobecome dislodged from the interior of the drum 411. The seed can then bedirected into a corresponding chute 417 and towards the seed dispenser418 and into a furrow created in the ground. The seed chutes 417 areshown in FIG. 74. As shown in the figure, there are an equal number ofchutes corresponding to the number of seed aperture paths. Therefore,there is first seed chute opening 417A, a second seed chute opening417B, a third seed chute opening 417C and a fourth seed chute opening417D. The seed chutes 417 combine at a centralized location such thateach of the seed varieties of the seed drum 411 may be dispensed about acommon seed chute into the common seed dispenser 418 where they aretaken to the furrow in the ground.

Also included in the row unit 400 are a wheel drive 419 and a drivemechanism 421. The drive mechanism 421 may be an electro turbo motorthat rotates one or more gears driving the wheel drive 419. The wheeldrive 419 includes gears that operate to rotate the drum 411 in acircular manner such that the seed aperture paths pass adjacent thecorresponding seed pools in the interior of the drum 411. A separatemechanism will operate the wheel arm 414 to selectively lift one or moreof the aperture wheels 412 away from the seed aperture paths on theexterior of the wheel drum 411 to allow the one or more seed types,hybrids and/or varieties to drop from the seed drum 411 and into theseed chute 417.

In addition, instead of aperture wheels, any dislodging member iscontemplated to be used with the row unit 400. For example, a finger orother pecking member may be used to selectively knock one or more seedsfrom a particular seed path to select a specific seed type, hybridand/or variety to pass through the seed chute 417 and dispenser to beplanted. Other members may also be used to dislodge the seed from theinterior of the seed drum 411 along the seed aperture path for passinginto the seed dispenser.

The row unit 400 provides the advantage of providing a system that doesnot waste unused seed hybrid or types. The seeds that do not getdislodged from the drum 411 for dispensing and planting continue to beadhered to the respective seed apertures of the paths beyond adislodging point. The seed remain engaged to the interior of the seeddrum 411 until passing over a wall within the seed drum, which creates apressure difference to dislodge the seed from the seed apertures. Theseeds then pass back into their respective seed pools where they awaitto be re-adhered to the seed drum 411 for passing along the seedaperture path. Thus, the seeds are not dislodged from the row unit andare simply reused in the seed pool until such time that they are to beplanted in the field. This reduces waste and costs associated therewithof unwanted dislodging or unwanted use of the seed.

There is also the advantage that, due to the seeds being dislodged on anas needed basis, there is greater control over the planting of thedesired seed type. For example, the seeds are only adhered to theinterior of the drum from approximately a 7 o'clock position to a 12o'clock along the interior of the seed drum 411. The seed dislodgingmember, such as the wheel 413, can selectively knock off or dislodgeeach individual seed adhered to the seed aperture. There can be a changefrom one seed hybrid dislodging to another from one seed aperture to thenext along the seed aperture path. This provides greater control andaccuracy over the selection of seed hybrid being dislodged and plantedin a field at a particular location.

In addition, as the dislodging member can be operatively connected to apositioning system of the planter, the positioning system will controlthe dislodging of the particular seed hybrid variety based upon programfield conditions along the varying locations in the field. The row unit400 will provide another way to obtain on-the-go selection of accuratelyplanting one of a plurality of seed types, hybrids, and/or varietiesbased on the location of the planter in the field, and can providesubstantially instantaneous changing or selection of a particular seedtype, hybrid and/or variety to be planted.

FIGS. 75 and 76 disclose yet another row unit 500 which includes aplurality of seed meters for changing on-the-go planting of one seedtype, hybrid and/or variety to another. The row unit 500 is similar topreviously shown and described row units in that a first seed meter 520and second seed meter 522 include a shared housing 510 for a meteringsystem 505. The shared housing 510 of the metering system 505 includes afirst hopper inlet 512 and a second hopper inlet 514. The first hopper512 is configured to store and receive a first seed type associated withthe first seed meter 520. The second hopper member 514 is configured toreceive and store a second seed type associated with the second seedmeter 522. The housing 510 is similar to the housing 78 associated withthe previous figures in that the housing 510 provides a single unitarymember for the seed meter side of the seed meters, while the vacuum sideis attached thereto for each of the meters. Furthermore, as will beunderstood, the housing 510 of the metering system 505 includes asituation in which the seed meters may have a partial overlap such thatthey share a substantially similar common release point for the seedbeing metered and released by the seed disks (not shown).

FIGS. 77-79 include more detailed use of the metering system 505 of therow unit 500. As shown, the housing 510 provides for the shared housingfor at least a portion of the first meter 520 and second meter 522 andalso includes the hopper portion 512 and second hopper portion 514.Thus, seed can be delivered, such as by air seed delivery to the hopperportions 512, 514 to be delivered to the seed meters 520, 522.Furthermore, one of the seed meters will be operating to meter anddispense one of the seed types at a time. For example, either the firstor the second meter 520, 522 will be operated but not both at the sametime. The operating meter will release a seed approximately at thelocation of the common or shared seed chute 521, which is adjacent aseed-to-ground delivery system 550. However, it is also contemplatedthat both of the meters could be operated at the same time. This wouldbe a way to do very high planting rates, effectively cutting the neededmetering rate by each meter in half. The operation of both meters wouldensure that the meters are on-the-ready to plant when needed, or couldsimply be planting alternatively as the planter goes through the field.

The seed-to-ground delivery system 550 is not a seed tube, as has beenshown and described. Instead, the seed-to-ground delivery system 550 isa system which includes a first belt 552 and a second belt 553. Thebelts are tensioned and comprise an elastomeric material. Any pliablematerial is contemplated to be used for the belt materials. The firstbelt 552 is positioned on a first roller 556 and includes a motor forrotating the belt. Likewise, the second belt 553 includes a secondroller 558 that is operably attached to a motor that provides for therotation of the second belt 553. The belts will rotate in a manner suchthat they will move substantially in sync with one another. Spacingbetween the first and second belts at the location 555 can be tallersuch that a seed can fit in between the pliable materials of the belts,but can be held in place thereat. Thus, when seed is released by one ofthe first or second meters 520, 522, the seed can be placed between thetwo belts. As the belts rotate, they will carry or deliver the seedbetween the belts towards the exit 560, which is substantially adjacent,a furrow in the field.

The rotational speed of the belts can be configured with the travelspeed of the planter in with the known height about the furrow bottom ofthe belt opening 560 such that the seed will experience generally zerorelative velocity when landing in the furrow. This will prevent the seedfrom bouncing or otherwise moving in the furrow which will increase theaccuracy of the seed spacing between adjacent and subsequent seeds.

It should be contemplated that the seed belt of the seed-to-groundsystem shown in FIGS. 77-79 can be utilized with any of the row unitsthat have been previously shown and described. While the seed tube haspreviously been disclosed, the seed belt can be utilized as well or inplace of the seed tube to minimize the possibility of bounce orinterference after the seed is released from the seed meter and beforeit reaches the bottom of the furrow. The seed belt provides theadvantage of controlling the seed from the release of the seed from aseed meter and fill at the location of the seed-to-ground opening 560,which is substantially adjacent the bottom of a furrow in the field.Thus, the control delivery of the seed will provide for greater accuracyand seed spacing and seed placement in the ground such that it will haveits best chance of growing when recovered with dirt.

As has been mentioned, the system shown and described allows an operatorto plant one of a plurality of varieties of seed types or hybrids. Inaddition, the systems allow for the interchanging of seed and seedrefuge (e.g., planting of certain percentage of non-insect resistantcrop dispersed throughout the resisting crop), pollen donation, or otheragricultural product. Additionally, multiple hybrids may be planted inthe same general area to take advantage of cross pollination betweendifferent plant types, further increasing the yield potential. Theinvention contemplates generally any scenario wherein it is desired orneeded to change the planting from one seed variety to another.

It is to be appreciated that the embodiments of the invention providenumerous advantages. The invention includes numerous methods, means, andsystems for providing on-the-go selection and planting of one of aplurality of different seeds. This will allow an operator to increaseand maximize their yield per acre based upon historical data and otherfield characteristics or conditions. As seed hybrid varieties are everchanging to account for different conditions, including soil andclimate, it is useful that an operator be able to utilize varyinghybrids without having to stop planting one variety and changing theseed manually. The on-the-go manner of the invention allows forefficient planting of multiple and different seed varieties, typesand/or hybrids.

Furthermore, a control system may be provided with any of the aspects ofthe invention. The control system may include an automatic (GPS)positioning system, or a manual control system. The positioning systemmay include memory, an intelligent control, and a communication means.For example, the communication means may be wireless communication orwire communication electrically connecting the components of the system.The memory is included to provide data to the system, which includesfield conditions and/or characteristics. These include historical databased upon testing of the field at various locations and can include,but is not limited to, moisture content, sunlight, amount of rain, waterretention, wind conditions, soil compaction, and the like. Other datamay also be included to be input into the positioning system memory.From that information, a user is able to determine the preferred seedhybrid variety to be planted at the various locations of a field basedupon the data input. Thus, a hybrid that is better to be planted in dryconditions can be planted at a location that has lower moisture contentor may receive less rain than other locations in the field. Other seedhybrid varieties can also be used based upon the field conditions and/orcharacteristics that are input into the system. In addition, a farmer isable to create sections of a single variety of seed, or they can controlthe ratio of the seed type throughout the section or area.

Data, such as the data as to which seed type is being planted, alongwith other information including, but not limited to, remaining seed,field map, upcoming switch, etc., can be viewed in the tractor and/or ata remote location on a display. This logged data can then be reviewedafter the planting and/or harvesting seasons in order to help determinethe type of seed to be used the next year, in order to maximize theyield obtained from the seed. For example, a farmer may be able to workwith a seed provided in order to determine the soil conditions and anoptimized seed type to use with such condition. After the season, theyield from the particular harvest can be reviewed in order to determineif the best seed type was selected, and to update if needed, with thegoal of maximizing the yield obtained. Furthermore, a higher return oninvestment can be achieved utilizing the invention herein disclosed. Inaddition to high yield, an operator may also lower planting rates anduse a less expensive seed in less productive areas, which would lowerinput costs, while still maintaining yield, which would increase thereturn on the investment for the operator, which may be the farmer.

As has been mentioned, the systems shown and described allow a farmer tochange the seed variety being planted throughout the sections of afield. In addition, the systems allow for the interchanging of seed andseed refuge (e.g., planting a certain percentage of non-insect resistantcrop dispersed throughout the resistant crop), pollen donation (e.g.,planting a certain percentage of a plant line with desirable pollenintermixed with the remaining plant line that will receive the pollen),or other agricultural product. Additionally, multiple hybrids may beplanted in the same general area to take advantage of cross pollinationbetween different plant types, further increasing the yield potential.The invention contemplates generally any scenario wherein it is desiredor needed to changing the planting from one seed variety to another seedvariety or other agricultural product.

The manual control can function in much the same way, but isdeterminative upon a farmer's commands to control which of the pluralityof seed types are to be planted. Either control will communicate to theplanter as to what seed delivery or planting system to activate in orderto provide the proper seed hybrid type.

The control system is operatively connected to a planter. The plantermay include seed sources such as bulk fill hoppers including seeddelivery systems, row hoppers, air seed delivery systems, seed meters,row units, control systems, and other intelligent controls. The controlsystem indicates to the planter what type of seed hybrid variety toplant based upon the location of the planter in the field or theinstructions of a user. The communication may be wired or wireless. Oncethe positioning system indicates that a different type of seed hybridvariety is to be planted, the intelligent control of the planter cancontrol the seed delivery systems, seed sources, seed meters, and/or rowunits to change the seed type to be planted. The system provides forvarying planting of different seed hybrid varieties almostinstantaneously. For example, it is contemplated that various seedhybrid varieties can be planted within feet or even seconds of oneanother as a planter moves on-the-go through the field.

In addition, the planter and positioning systems are operativelyconnected to the tractor such that a display in the tractor may provideto the user the location of the tractor and planter in the field, aswell as the type of seed hybrid being planted based upon that location.The display may also have additional controls to allow the farmer tomanually select one of the types of seed variety to be planted. It iscontemplated that the display may include a map to show the location ofthe tractor and planter, along with what seed types will be planted inthe locations adjacent and about the field. Therefore, the user may beaware beforehand when the planter will be switching from one seedvariety to another. In addition, the display may indicate anyquantitative value such as the amount of the different seed hybridvarieties being planted in the field so that the user knows when one ormore of the seed hybrid quantities are getting low, such as to bereplaced. Other data and information is contemplated to be displayed inthe tractor as well.

It is to be appreciated that the embodiments of the present inventionprovide numerous advantages over the art. For example, the inventionincludes numerous methods, means, and systems for providing on-the-goselection in planting of one of a plurality of different seed hybridvarieties, or a combination thereof. The present invention will allow afarmer to increase and maximize his or her yield per acre based uponhistorical data of field characteristics or conditions. As seed hybridvarieties are ever changing to account for extreme conditions, it isuseful that a farmer be able to utilize the varying seed hybrids withouthaving to stop planting one variety and changing the seed type manually.The on-the-go manner of the present invention allows an efficientplanting of multiple and different seed varieties.

Therefore, the system, method, and means of planting one of a pluralityof seed variety types based upon the location of a planter in a fieldhave been disclosed. The invention contemplates numerous variations,options, and alternatives, and it is not to be limited to the specificembodiments described herein. Those skilled in the art will appreciatethat, while the invention has been heretofore disclosed, various otherchanges may also be included within the scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A row unit for use with an agricultural plantingimplement and capable of planting a variety of seed types in a singlefield, the row unit comprising: a seed meter comprising: a. a rotatableseed drum including a plurality of seed paths comprising a plurality ofseed cells spaced about the seed drum, each of said seed pathscorresponding to one of the variety of seed types to be planted and eachof the seed paths adjacent to one another on a single drum; and b. adischarge mechanism operatively connected to the plurality of seedpaths, wherein operation of the discharge mechanism with a seed pathwill discharge a seed variety associated with said path from the seedcells; and a seed to ground system for directing the selected seedvariety associated with the selected seed path to the ground forplanting.
 2. The row unit of claim 1, further comprising a seed deliverysystem for providing a plurality of varieties of seed to the row unit.3. The row unit of claim 2, wherein the seed delivery system comprisesan air seed delivery system comprising at least one hose attached to atleast one seed tank.
 4. The row unit of claim 3, wherein the seed drumcomprises a plurality of seed pools corresponding to the number of seedpaths.
 5. The row unit of claim 4, wherein the air seed delivery systemprovides a separate seed variety to each seed pool.
 6. The row unit ofclaim 5, wherein seed is attached to the rotating drum as a particularseed cell of a seed path passes through the seed pool.
 7. The row unitof claim 1, wherein the rotatable seed drum is a substantially circularmember.
 8. The row unit of claim 1, wherein the seed to ground systemcomprises a seed tube operatively attached to an exit of the seed chuteto direct the seed to the ground.
 9. The row unit of claim 1, whereinthe discharge mechanism comprises a member to knock a seed from a seedcell.
 10. The row unit of claim 1, wherein the discharge mechanismcomprises a plurality of wheels selectively covering the seed paths,wherein the seed drum includes a reservoir for providing a pressuredifferential at the seed cells.
 11. A method of planting one of avariety of seed in a field and switching the variety of seed beingplanted as a planter travels through the field, the method comprising:delivering multiple varieties of seed to a seed drum at a row unit, saidseed drum including a plurality of seed paths comprising a plurality ofseed cells spaced about the seed drum, each of said seed pathscorresponding to one of the variety of seed types to be planted and eachof the seed paths adjacent to one another on a single drum; determiningone of the seed varieties to plant based, in part, on the location ofthe row unit in the field; activating a discharge mechanism to the seedpath associated with the determined seed variety to be planted, whereinthe seed variety associated with the seed path will be directed towardsan exit of the seed drum; and directing the seed from the exit of theseed drum towards a planting location in the field.
 12. The method ofclaim 11, further comprising deactivating the seed paths associated withnon-elected seed varieties, wherein the deactivating comprises shuttingoff a pressure differential at the seed paths.
 13. The method of claim11, wherein the step of directing the seed from the exit of the seeddrum towards a planting location in the field comprises the use of aseed to ground system.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the seed toground system comprises a seed tube to control the movement of the seedafter the exit from the seed drum.
 15. The method of claim 11, furthercomprising rotating the seed drum as the planter moves through thefield.
 16. The method of claim 11, further comprising determining, basedupon the location of the planter, if a different seed variety is to beplanted.
 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising activating thedischarge mechanism associated with the seed path for the different seedvariety that has been determined to be planted, based upon the locationof the planter in the field.
 18. An agricultural planter for plantingmultiple varieties of seed in a field and capable of switching thevariety of seed being planted as the planter travels through the field,the planter comprising: a plurality of seed tanks containing differentvarieties of seed; a plurality of row units operatively connected to theplurality of seed tanks for receiving the varieties of seed, the rowunits each comprising: a seed meter comprising: a. a seed drum includinga plurality of seed paths comprising a plurality of seed cells spacedabout the seed drum, each of said seed paths corresponding to one of thevariety of seed types to be planted and each of the seed paths adjacentto one another on a single drum; and b. a discharge mechanismselectively operable with at least one of the plurality of seed pathssuch that operation of the discharge mechanism with a seed path willdischarge a seed variety associated with said path from the seed cells.19. The agricultural planter of claim 18, further comprising a seed toground system for directing the selected seed variety associated withthe selected seed path to the ground for planting.
 20. The row unit ofclaim 19, wherein the seed to ground system comprises a seed tubeextending substantially from the seed drum towards the ground.